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All God's Critters Got a Place in the Choir
Rich with the traditional and alive to the contemporary, this sampler of personal essays, talks, and poems explores topics of special interest to Mormon women. The authors celebrate the variety and complexity in the lives of modern women: from giving birth and facing death, to the whys of listening to teenagers and the wherefores of being good neighbors. Whether writing at the hearth of family concerns or in the arena of public issues, the two authors embrace honest differences as they bridge distances, seek harmony in the midst of change, and hold fast to faith.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1995
2 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Emma Lou Warner Thayne
20 books11 followersEmma Lou Thayne has written thirteen books of poetry, fiction, essays, and travel stories as well as the hymn, “Where Can I Turn for Peace?” She has been widely anthologized and has published internationally on kinship and peace among people and nations. She has received numerous honors and awards, including the David O. McKay Humanities Award, the Association for Mormon Letters award for poetry, and an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Utah. A service center has also been named in her honor—The Emma Lou Thayne Community Service Center.
Emma Lou has taught English and was the women’s tennis coach at the University of Utah. She has been married to Mel Thayne for sixty years and has five daughters, eighteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Emma Lou has taught English and was the women’s tennis coach at the University of Utah. She has been married to Mel Thayne for sixty years and has five daughters, eighteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 9, 2008
This book is just what I needed--how inspiring to see faithful women who raised children and have successful writing careers. Laurel included a quote from the Women's Exponent that touches me deeply (ok, I cry like a baby) each time I read it:
"No woman worthily and happily married is less fitted to aid the general progress of the world than she who stands alone with none to hinder, yes, with none to hinder, but with none to help her either, in the exercise of her best gifts."
--Louisa Greene Richards, August 15, 1877
"No woman worthily and happily married is less fitted to aid the general progress of the world than she who stands alone with none to hinder, yes, with none to hinder, but with none to help her either, in the exercise of her best gifts."
--Louisa Greene Richards, August 15, 1877
August 5, 2016
I loved this beautiful, thought-provoking book of essays, poems, and correspondence. I needed to read something that would affirm my place, so this was the right thing at the right time.
I wish I had been brave enough to get to know Sister Ulrich when we were in the same ward in Cambridge.
I read this for the Book of Essays category of Book Riot's 2016 Read Harder challenge.
I wish I had been brave enough to get to know Sister Ulrich when we were in the same ward in Cambridge.
I read this for the Book of Essays category of Book Riot's 2016 Read Harder challenge.
May 28, 2011
Parts of the book were dated (a number of sections relating coversations via fax between the two authors), but I was surprised to find that these two women, one old enough to be my mother and the other my grandmother, have confronted many of the same issues I find myself grappling with as a Mormon woman. How do I love other Mormon women who are differnt than me or just hard to love? Can I be a Mormon and a feminist? What about the right to an abortion? Where is my place in church dominated by a male hierarchy? I thought these were contemporary issues; turns out they are timeless. I found sisterhood and inspiration and comfort in this book.
April 29, 2024
This sat on my dresser next to my bed for a year, until I read The Frozen River and then launched a full investigation about Martha Ballard and discovered that it was Laurel Thatcher Ulrich who wrote her biography - the selfsame lady who authored the book sitting ignored. So I picked it back up with a renewed interest.
Written in 1995, a collection of essays written by 2 prominent LDS women in the 1980's who were pen pals and good friends. Many were excellent - 5 star, some I didn't enjoy (The Russian Friend, Valentina) and a few of the poems, I quickly skimmed. def had an unmistakable 80's flavor the whole way through.
I loved the excerpt in "Patches" written by a Kentucky quilter and a sermon she composed based on a patchwork quilt. and she calls calico, caliker.
"Neighbors" had a good lesson for us all.
Listen to Emma Lou's life at one point: 4 teens, a realtor/bishop husband, she was in graduate school, on the General RS Board, teaching part-time at UofU English dept, coaching the UofU girls tennis team. !!
Loved "Landscapes of the Mind" - the idea that we need to fill our children's minds with upliftment and wholesome stories and activities. She talks about how they had Ted Bundy over to dinner multiple times before he was discovered to be a serial killer.
"Lusterware" was so good. "The Church was not a place that exemplified Christian virtues so much as a place that required them. I had always thought of it as a nice cushion, a source of warmth and comfort if things got tough. It hadn't occurred to me that the Church could make things tough" and the part about the leaven in our lump.
"Models and Heroes" was really good. "Even my grandmother who shared a bed with me would have to wait years until I realized what an influence she had been."
Emma Lou wrote, "Where can I turn for peace?" because her daughter suffered from bulimia and manic depression.
Laurel talks about the oxymoron of Mormon Feminist - "Those who assume that Mormonism is inherently hostile to women or conversely that feminism undermines faith, sniff at the phrase. But when confronted with a real person claiming to be both things at once, they are forced to reconsider their assumptions. Feminism may be larger than they imagined and Mormonism more flexible."
It would behoove me to re-read these essays often because they are so rich and to be savored slowly.
Written in 1995, a collection of essays written by 2 prominent LDS women in the 1980's who were pen pals and good friends. Many were excellent - 5 star, some I didn't enjoy (The Russian Friend, Valentina) and a few of the poems, I quickly skimmed. def had an unmistakable 80's flavor the whole way through.
I loved the excerpt in "Patches" written by a Kentucky quilter and a sermon she composed based on a patchwork quilt. and she calls calico, caliker.
"Neighbors" had a good lesson for us all.
Listen to Emma Lou's life at one point: 4 teens, a realtor/bishop husband, she was in graduate school, on the General RS Board, teaching part-time at UofU English dept, coaching the UofU girls tennis team. !!
Loved "Landscapes of the Mind" - the idea that we need to fill our children's minds with upliftment and wholesome stories and activities. She talks about how they had Ted Bundy over to dinner multiple times before he was discovered to be a serial killer.
"Lusterware" was so good. "The Church was not a place that exemplified Christian virtues so much as a place that required them. I had always thought of it as a nice cushion, a source of warmth and comfort if things got tough. It hadn't occurred to me that the Church could make things tough" and the part about the leaven in our lump.
"Models and Heroes" was really good. "Even my grandmother who shared a bed with me would have to wait years until I realized what an influence she had been."
Emma Lou wrote, "Where can I turn for peace?" because her daughter suffered from bulimia and manic depression.
Laurel talks about the oxymoron of Mormon Feminist - "Those who assume that Mormonism is inherently hostile to women or conversely that feminism undermines faith, sniff at the phrase. But when confronted with a real person claiming to be both things at once, they are forced to reconsider their assumptions. Feminism may be larger than they imagined and Mormonism more flexible."
It would behoove me to re-read these essays often because they are so rich and to be savored slowly.
July 20, 2014
Quick, how many women can you name who've won a Pulitzer Prize? Bonus round: How about an LDS woman who's done so? Laurel Thatcher Ulrich's contributions to this volume are what stood out to me, although Emma Lou Warner Thayne's have grown on me a bit more upon re-reading. The fax-dialogue between the two feels a little silly at times, but the rest of the book shines. (Your fun trivia facts for the day: Emma Lou's most well-known writing is undoubtedly the lyrics to "Where Can I Turn For Peace?" And Laurel's most well-known writing? The now-infamous aphorism that "well-behaved women seldom make history.")
August 6, 2018
There are some real gems in this compilation by two feminists who change Mormon zeitgeist by bringing their whole selves to the table. Did you know that Emma Lou Thayne who passed away in 2014, author of "Where Can I Turn For Peace," wrote it as she dove into the world of manic depression with her daughter? And Laurel Thatcher Ulrich's dual essays, "Forget Those Virginia Slims" and "Lusterware" leave me with hope that I can find my own self within the boundaries of my religion. Each word seems to cut through the platitudes that suggest we should keep our heads down, noses clean, and voices sweet. I want to be in their book club.
May 14, 2009
A book of personal essays about being female and Mormon, about friendship, sisterhood, and community, about motherhood and writing. Like any collection of essays, there were some that were more personally meaningful to me, but this is such a great compilation of Emma Lou Thayne's and Laurel Thatcher Ulrich's writing, and bubbles over with the richness of their lives and their thoughtful insights.
In its totality, their book celebrates women's gifts, not as anything generically applied to all with XX chromosomes, but individual woman's gifts and contributions, unique and precious, and ultimately beneficial to the community at large, no matter the shape of their talents.
I like this:
As a daughter of God, I claim the right to all my gifts. I am a mother, an intellectual, a skeptic, a believer, a crafter of cookies and words.
And this, as quoted in the book from Louisa Greene Richards, member of the church's Relief Society in 1877:
It is time that we utterly repudiate the pernicious dogma that marriage and a practical life-work are incompatible.
I wouldn't give every essay 5 stars, but as a whole, they are wonderful. And there are some essays that I will return to again and again.
In its totality, their book celebrates women's gifts, not as anything generically applied to all with XX chromosomes, but individual woman's gifts and contributions, unique and precious, and ultimately beneficial to the community at large, no matter the shape of their talents.
I like this:
As a daughter of God, I claim the right to all my gifts. I am a mother, an intellectual, a skeptic, a believer, a crafter of cookies and words.
And this, as quoted in the book from Louisa Greene Richards, member of the church's Relief Society in 1877:
It is time that we utterly repudiate the pernicious dogma that marriage and a practical life-work are incompatible.
I wouldn't give every essay 5 stars, but as a whole, they are wonderful. And there are some essays that I will return to again and again.
February 1, 2009
Two great authors alternate short stories in this book.
I wasn't planning to think much of this book...but I was wrong. These stories were inspiring, sweet, uplifting, and represented my feelings as a woman. And I have collected some great quotes from it!
I loved the story of the pioneer woman who writes in her journal confessing she hated to cook, but was stuck with the task. And on top of her frstration, the cow walked off with her pie.
I wasn't planning to think much of this book...but I was wrong. These stories were inspiring, sweet, uplifting, and represented my feelings as a woman. And I have collected some great quotes from it!
I loved the story of the pioneer woman who writes in her journal confessing she hated to cook, but was stuck with the task. And on top of her frstration, the cow walked off with her pie.
December 28, 2016
This collection of essays and poems, most published previously in Exponent II and other venues, contains much that is memorable and insightful by these two foremothers of LDS feminism and thought. Their thinking and voices are worth reading and hearing; I wish there were more pieces included.
September 3, 2018
Go from here in exquisite candor
Go with the sureness of wondering
and the keenness of being in touch.
Emma Lou Thayne is a masterful poet with a gift for "exquisite candor." She alwo penned one of my favorite hymns, "Where Can I Turn for Peace?"
Where can I turn for peace?
Where is my solace
When other sources cease to make me whole?
When in my need to know, where can I run?
Who, who, can understand?
He, only One.
He answers privately,
Reaches my reaching,
Constant he is and kind,
Love without end.
I didn't know that the text came from a time of great sadness in her life. A feeling of helplessness over a daughter's bout with manic depression and bulimia. Her writings and "reachings" in this collection are rich with such vulnerability and insight. Particularly in the manner in which she plays off of the ongoing dialogue with Laurel Thatcher Ulrich. The "exquisite candor" between the two of them; the way they champion and challenge one anothers' work is inspiring. I was grateful for the opportunity to listen in on their exchanges and was often left feeling a sense of awe as they described the sureness of their own wonderings. I didn't so much read this book as much as I just tried to savor it - these aren't writings you hurry through.
Ulrich is brilliant and witty. Her essay on "Lusterware" (plated wares versus genuine silver) had a profound impact on me. One particularly poignant piece helped reveal some tarnished areas in my own inner life that I've only recently realized need a little more polishing:
"The temptations of skepticism are real. Sweeping up the broken lusterware, we sometimes forget to polish and cherish the silver, not knowing that the power of discernment is one of the gifts of the Spirit, that the ability to discover counterfeit wares also gives us the power to recognize the genuine."
Brilliant, witty, keen, candid, and most of all genuine . . .
Go with the sureness of wondering
and the keenness of being in touch.
Emma Lou Thayne is a masterful poet with a gift for "exquisite candor." She alwo penned one of my favorite hymns, "Where Can I Turn for Peace?"
Where can I turn for peace?
Where is my solace
When other sources cease to make me whole?
When in my need to know, where can I run?
Who, who, can understand?
He, only One.
He answers privately,
Reaches my reaching,
Constant he is and kind,
Love without end.
I didn't know that the text came from a time of great sadness in her life. A feeling of helplessness over a daughter's bout with manic depression and bulimia. Her writings and "reachings" in this collection are rich with such vulnerability and insight. Particularly in the manner in which she plays off of the ongoing dialogue with Laurel Thatcher Ulrich. The "exquisite candor" between the two of them; the way they champion and challenge one anothers' work is inspiring. I was grateful for the opportunity to listen in on their exchanges and was often left feeling a sense of awe as they described the sureness of their own wonderings. I didn't so much read this book as much as I just tried to savor it - these aren't writings you hurry through.
Ulrich is brilliant and witty. Her essay on "Lusterware" (plated wares versus genuine silver) had a profound impact on me. One particularly poignant piece helped reveal some tarnished areas in my own inner life that I've only recently realized need a little more polishing:
"The temptations of skepticism are real. Sweeping up the broken lusterware, we sometimes forget to polish and cherish the silver, not knowing that the power of discernment is one of the gifts of the Spirit, that the ability to discover counterfeit wares also gives us the power to recognize the genuine."
Brilliant, witty, keen, candid, and most of all genuine . . .
March 23, 2019
This is a beautifully written book full of short stories and poetry that highlight different life lessons that Ulrich and Thayne learn from a variety of women in America. I really enjoyed this book. This book caused me to reflect on my own life and find ways that I could improve. One quote that stuck out to me was, “without soul, we are inclined to satire instead of compassion.” The authors did a really great job sharing their insights as well as the difficulties of life people go through and how to learn from them. The only down side is that this book is a little dated and there are some descriptions and ideas that could be viewed as offensive through the lens of modern political correctness, so it is important to remember the time frame this was written in while reading this book. Over all this is a wonderful book and I really enjoyed it.
February 3, 2025
This delightful book includes essays and poems from two scholars with differing ages, lives, experiences, but who share love, appreciation of creation, family focus, and religious faith tested and examined. Neither is afraid to reveal faults, mistakes, skepticism, negative emotions and hard experiences that have shaped them and their views. Several of their sensitive essays put into words the self doubts, the testing through problematic traumas and daily irritations that lead them to question and reexamine deeply held beliefs and assumptions that I and many other women of my time and belief have experienced.
May 30, 2017
I read (and reread) this book slowly over a period of six months. There was an essay/poem to reach me in every up and down, twist and turn, and question/emotion encountered across the timespan. I felt comfort and sisterhood, and a friendship with these two women.
I'd recommend this book to all Mormons for the insights it gives into how to participate in the church community thoughtfully and fully -- letting go of "lusterware," opening your arms wider and finding more beauty in the journey.
I'd recommend this book to all Mormons for the insights it gives into how to participate in the church community thoughtfully and fully -- letting go of "lusterware," opening your arms wider and finding more beauty in the journey.
September 27, 2024
My mother gave me this book almost 30 years ago and I finally read it. I could relate to much in this book. It made we wish I had read it when its was first published, but I was too busy writing my own books!
August 16, 2015
I really enjoyed this book of short stories and poems. It is written by two LDS women and mostly includes stories from their lives. I liked the perspective it put on a lot of daily/life events. I love how this book addressed points that, I think, a lot of women struggle with. They talk about talents, feminism, testimonies, and learning to put yourself first - to figure out who you really are, and by doing so you will be able to be a better wife, mother, and person. One of the authors learned she needed to take a couple of days away from her home every so often, and while it seemed hard to leave her family everyone understood that she was much happier when she did so. That is something I have been starting to realize the past few months. If I am not taking time for myself I am unable to accomplish even the small tasks around the house. I also really loved that they addressed (though not specifically) that they have each had questions about the church come up where they had to seriously pray and discuss the matter. I feel like questions of faith are often looked down upon in the church, when I believe it is actually important. An analogy of lusterware ("plated wares" rather than genuine silver this is shiny, inexpensive, easy to get, and very fragile and breakable) is used to describe our image of ideals without demanding a great deal from us. "We all have lusterware and silver on the shelf that we keep at the top of our minds...There are lusterware missions, marriages, friendships, histories, and visions of ourselves. Most of these will be tested at some point on the stones at the bottom of our minds....'the kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hid in a field' (matt. 13:44)...the temptations of skepticism are real. Sweeping up the fragments of broken lusterware, we sometimes forget to polish and cherish the silver, not knowing that the power of discernment is one of the gifts of the Spirit, that ability to discover counterfeit wares also gives us the power to recognize the genuine."
"Talent is an inner drive that propels a person to take time. People who are experts at something work harder at it than the rest of us because they see (and hear and taste and feel) possibilities the rest of us can't discern - the stairway in the side of a rock, the hat or vest in a yard of cloth, the unfulfilled potential of an organization. People with talent help us see what is hidden." pg. 13
"Chiaroscuro: the technique in art that uses dar shades of different tones to heighten the effect of light...What in life does not come edged in dark? Out of the dark burst most of our moments with light - a baby born, a storm over, health recovered, a quarrel resolved, believing restored. Yet among us, especially as Mormons, there is a diffidence, a pale reluctance to deal with the dark that proceeded the birth, the clearing, the getting well, the loving, the faith. The charcoal of our unsettling thoughts or feelings is painted out be the fear of appearing faithless or inept or not in tune with the gospel." (then later in the book they say that it is often those who have questioned the church that have a stronger testimony because in the questioning we can grow).
"Talent is an inner drive that propels a person to take time. People who are experts at something work harder at it than the rest of us because they see (and hear and taste and feel) possibilities the rest of us can't discern - the stairway in the side of a rock, the hat or vest in a yard of cloth, the unfulfilled potential of an organization. People with talent help us see what is hidden." pg. 13
"Chiaroscuro: the technique in art that uses dar shades of different tones to heighten the effect of light...What in life does not come edged in dark? Out of the dark burst most of our moments with light - a baby born, a storm over, health recovered, a quarrel resolved, believing restored. Yet among us, especially as Mormons, there is a diffidence, a pale reluctance to deal with the dark that proceeded the birth, the clearing, the getting well, the loving, the faith. The charcoal of our unsettling thoughts or feelings is painted out be the fear of appearing faithless or inept or not in tune with the gospel." (then later in the book they say that it is often those who have questioned the church that have a stronger testimony because in the questioning we can grow).
March 1, 2015
This book is written by two Mormon women author legends. It is a fantastic read. It is a collection of essays and a small amount of poetry. The book has a uniquely feminist bent, but is still very conservative. It's a wonderful read on lots of different subjects (including faith and doubt which felt like a balm to this soul), but with an overall theme of relationships and love for all. Some essays pull at your heartstrings, others make you think and wonder. Both writers are wonderful. They have very different styles so it is a lot of fun to read. Full confession: I am a Mormon feminist so enjoyed the angle of the writing, and have been a longtime fan of Laurel Thatcher Ulrich so already knew I'd love it going in. I was just surprised how much I loved it. I think I marked a quote on almost every page.
August 22, 2011
Let me make this clear: I ADORE Laurel Thatcher Ulrich. As an open feminist and faithful Mormon, this woman just knocks my socks off. I'll be honest about this book though, I pretty much skipped Emma Lou Thayne's poetry and essays in lieu of finding another one by Ulrich. However, I did read and enjoy two of Thayne's essays: On the Side of Life (on abortion. Some of her conclusions are unexpected) and Landscapes of the Mind (about knowing Ted Bundy personally when he joined the Mormon church).
The faxes shared between Thayne and Ulrich seemed forced and kind of cheesy. I didn't pay them much mind. Ulrich's essays, however, were wonderful. I'm thinking seriously about buying this books so I can reference them more freely.
The faxes shared between Thayne and Ulrich seemed forced and kind of cheesy. I didn't pay them much mind. Ulrich's essays, however, were wonderful. I'm thinking seriously about buying this books so I can reference them more freely.
October 27, 2011
I loved this book. Yes, it's a little dated, and I could have done without the faxes between the authors, but I loved the acceptance and sisterhood running through it. The characters in the stories have stayed with me in the weeks since I've finished: the awful woman who disposed of Emma Lou Thayne's daughters' kittens; the Chinese sister who gave Laurel Ulrich $20 lucky money when she moved; Joyce Henrie, whose suicide prompted the beautiful essay Emma Lou Thayne read at her funeral. And "Applause" is a keeper of an essay to encourage everyone to do what she feels called to do, "Because God gave the talent, and with it came the God-given urgency to have to."
November 7, 2014
I loved it - balm to my soul. Parts of the book are a little outdated (the "Dialogue by Fax" sections made me snicker, but they were also quite lovely), but there were so many gems in the essays and wise words. I especially loved the essay about Helen Keller, as well as "Lusterware" and "With Love, Mother."
October 19, 2016
First I liked this book even though some of it seemed outdated. Then I loved it. It is a collection of editorial columns and communications between two brilliant women. I loved their insights! I learned more about Mormon feminism, and it was fascinating for me even though I've never thought of myself as belonging in that category.
March 13, 2008
If you love Emma Lou, get her autobiography, "The Place of Knowing" which is only available as an audio book (for now). You can get a copy at Frosts' bookstore in Salt Lake City, or I believe you can find it online.
December 25, 2008
I absolutely love this book. Laurel Ulrich is a hero of mine and I love this informal book of friendship between 2 excellent writers. I like Emma Lou Thayne too, but Laurel's essays really speak to me.
May 31, 2021
I enjoyed these essays. Especially as an introduction to Ulrich, and a remembrance of Thayne who died just a month ago. Very thought provoking and well written.
Second time through--4.5 stars. Still wonderful.
Second time through--4.5 stars. Still wonderful.
March 3, 2008
Essays by two intelligent, gifted women. Insightful, wise uplifting, and the personality of each comes through loud and clear.
August 26, 2008
I think this book should be required reading for all LDS women!
September 17, 2008
This really gave me things to think about.
November 29, 2009
Lots of thought provoking essays & poems from these Mormon women!
July 13, 2010
I love the insight of these two LDS women who are recognized for their writing and I relate to many of the issues they discuss. It's a book I can pick up at any time and glean something from it.
August 9, 2011
I am absolutely loving this book. Plan to write a long blogpost on it.
May 8, 2012
Learned some new things about the Church! Very entertaining, wonderful writers!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews